SUMMER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Over the summer, multiple iPrep students took a multitude of varying summer programs. Their experiences allowed them to explore different fields of interest and get a taste for independent college life. These programs are for active students who are interested in doing more with their summer. Read more if you are already thinking about what to do next summer!

The following includes multiple upperclassmen discussing their personal experiences to each specific program.

Olivia Ruiz, senior:Participated in a summer program called Neubauer Family Adelante Summer Scholars at the University of Chicago during the break. Olivia attended the program for three weeks from June 16- July 7th. She took the course called: “Collegiate Writing: Awakening Into Consciousness.” The goal of the course was to give high-school juniors the opportunity to take a college course. The Collegiate Writing course was a rigorous course, where students read several novels, engage in Socratic seminars, and wrote compelling essays. Olivia said the best part of the course was that “everyone was on the same academic level.” It gave her the opportunity to get more out of the class because everyone was on the same academic level. The course taught Olivia how to be a better writer. The best part for Olivia was that the program allowed her to be independent she was able to explore the campus and the city of Chicago, while she was there. Furthermore, Olivia was able to form close relationships through the program. Olivia does recommend the program to high-school juniors.

Andres Wolfe, senior:did a summer program called Global Technology Entrepreneur at Duke University. Andres attended the program for three weeks from July 13th- August 3rd. The goal of the program was to give future entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn the skills to become successful business owners. Andres learned, “valuable lessons about how to build your own business.” The Technology Entrepreneur Program focused on teaching students critical business, marketing, and communication skills that will make them successful entrepreneurs. Andres had the chance to live like a college student, and he was able to live in a dorm on campus, and even join clubs. Andres recalled,” there were many activities to do on campus and outside of campus, like hiking.” Andres favorite part of the program was working in a group and coming up with ideas of a product. Andres had a great experience and does recommend the program to other students!

Catherine Padilla, senior:Completed a summer program called the Young Scholars Program at Florida State University during the summer break she did the program for six weeks. The goal of the program was for students who want a future career in STEM. The primary requirements for the program were students who had a 3.0 GPA or higher and was good at math. Additionally, students would need to be rising seniors.

Catherine took four intensive courses: Research Thermodynamics, Computer science, Probability, and Physics. Besides the intensive courses, she was also able to live the college life by living in the dorms and going on trips on the weekend. Her favorite part of the program was meeting new people, who were also interested in STEM careers. Catherine would recommend the Young Scholars Program for students interested in STEM careers.

Zoe Felfle, junior:took a four-week course in Beginner’s German while living in Munich, Germany. The goal of the class is to learn basic and conversational German in order to communicate with locals. She learned how to hold conversations about casual subjects and conjugate different kinds of verbs. Zoe says the best part of the program was that her new skills allowed her to converse with local German citizens and make friends in the area. She became able to use public transportation and order food in restaurants with her friends. By leaving her comfort zone and succeeding in Munich, her independence as a person and student grew tremendously. There were no specific requirements to attend the class, so anyone can sign up.

To find out more about Zoe’s German learning program:http://german-course-germany.de/german-courses/summer-german-courses-germany-teenagers-14.html

Deborah Augustin, junior:Deborah decided to go to Van Allen Institute’s Climate Design Lab Summer Program in Miami for three weeks. Deborah had to make sure that she met all the requirements and rules to apply; the requirements were that the student needed to have taken 3 Science credits and write an application essay. The Climate Design Lab program engages students in the world of climate change and how it affects Miami specifically. Throughout the program, Deborah visited multiple Miami facilities to learn more about climate change and discussed with people on how the Miami government plans to combat it. One of the projects that the students did was a climate change “adaptation plan” for the city of Little Havana, which they presented to a judge panel. Deborah discussed that she “gained a deeper understanding of climate change, how it's going to change the structure of the world, and how we can mitigate the effects.” When it comes to the Climate Design Lab, she could undoubtedly say that she learned a lot because of it and would recommend it to everyone, especially those interested in the science field.

To find out more about Deborah Augustin’s Summer Program:https://www.vanalen.org/projects/keeping-current/#student-competition-design-challenges

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Olivia Ruiz

All-around nerd who's into books, movies, and video games. Hit me up and we can listen to 80s hits together.

Alivia Wenze

I am an African-American female, who loves herself. I treat people with kindness, and I expect the same.

Bianca Vucetich

As some might speculate based on my usual attire I am a major Doctor Who fan and absolutely adore the show among many others. I also love using my time to hang out with friends or volunteer at a pet adoption center since the animals there are just wonderful. Well that's just a couple things about me, I hope you find my work helpful and entertaining!